The bottom line is that the elites don’t much like the poor. Of course they are careful to avoid saying so, steering clear of racial stereotypes. Instead they mock the consumption habits and religious/social attitudes of poor whites. Poor minorities are not criticized, even though they have similar lifestyles and cultural attitudes. This makes the elites feel progressive.

It’s not that the elites hate the poor; I would describe their attitude as “condescending.” They wish them well in much the same way that they favor animal welfare. They support programs that help the poor make the “right choices,” like food stamps and Medicaid, while cutting back on poverty programs that provide money which could be spent on drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, prostitution, gambling, etc (i.e. the 1996 welfare reform.)

Comments (5)

Interesting article but it’s one thing to point out these social dysfunctions we create by our very own nature, and another to act on behalf of change. Every day, I think about how sad it is to live around deep human divide — as if being in a different “status” in society makes you any better. The perception that somehow someone is “better” is ridiculous and I just wish there was more humility and compassion and less arrogance and divide, which the article depicts coming straight from the top. Many of those in a society obsessed with monetary/professional social success don’t realize that we all depend on each other and we should all think of each other in a more collaborative and inclusive fashion. Perhaps then we could realistically begin talking about ending poverty and class divide, perhaps then, but clearly civilization has a long ways to go.

11. The NCAA. BTW, ever notice that the media calls poor blacks that go right into pro football or basketball at age 18 “foolish”, but affluent whites who go right into the golf or tennis circuit are given a pass?

– This is an absolutely incorrect statement. An athlete cannot simply “go right into pro football or basketball at 18″. NBA Basketball players must be one year removed from highschool before they can be drafted. NFL Football players must be 3 years removed from highschool. Thus, there is a maturation process regardless of you color as to when these organizations will allow you to compete. Also, the sports media often criticizes players who are talented but stay in college to finish their degree. Due to the high risks they are taking by exposing themselves to injury, players must assess whether the paycheck or school pride is the catalyst behind their decision.

It’s not that the elites hate the poor; I would describe their attitude as “condescending.”

They support programs… like food stamps and Medicaid, while cutting back on poverty programs that provide money which could be spent on drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, prostitution, gambling…

Of course it’s condescending. Liberal elites think of poor people not unlike children — incapably of taking care of themselves so they need cared for with strict boundaries. But to think of poor people other than helpless children incapably of making rational decisions would suggest poor people should fend for themselves.

If the elites were more directly responsible for the poor – notice that I don’t mean to pay higher taxes, but rather be directly involved in charity work – then the elite would begin to understand the poor. There are many affluent, influential people today who were raised in poverty. Unfortunately, the percentage of the poor who escape poverty will continue to decline as long as the elite push for policies that keep the poor dependent on handouts.

“The food stamp program, part of the Department of Agriculture, is pleased to be distributing the greatest amount of food stamps ever.
Meanwhile, the Park Service, also part of the Department of Agriculture, asks us to ‘Please Do Not Feed the Animals’ because the animals may grow dependent and not learn to take care of themselves.”